Synonyms of float

float 1 of 2

verb

1

as in to hover

to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air

a canoe floating down the river

particles of dust floating in the air

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hover
• sail
• swim
• drift
• glide
• ride
• hang
• bob
• waft
• suspend
• dangle
• poise
• buoy
• raft
• balloon

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sink
• settle
• dive
• plunge
• lunge
• dip
• submerge
• immerse
• submerse

2

as in to wander

to move about from place to place aimlessly

lost touch with a childhood friend who spent much of his adult life floating from place to place

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wander
• roam
• drift
• stroll
• cruise
• range
• meander
• rove
• knock (about)
• traipse
• bat
• ramble
• saunter
• gallivant
• amble
• kick around
• mooch
• gad (about)
• maunder
• dawdle
• mill (about or around)
• mope
• tramp
• stray
• straggle
• hobo
• vagabond

float

2 of 2

noun

ˈflōt 

as in dock

a structure used by boats and ships for taking on or landing cargo and passengers

the crew put the cargo on the float before heading back down the river

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dock
• wharf
• pier
• landing
• quay
• jetty
• levee
• mooring
• berth
• quai
• marina
• slip
• shipyard
• embarcadero
• wharfage
• dockyard
• quayage

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of float

Verb

The skyline floated like an uncanny but beautiful projection off to our side. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026

Gleaming marble basins filled with floating flowers sit comfortably with antique stone tubs that used to hold olive oil back in the day. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Noun

Attendants will help you onto a large float, and only your feet will get slightly wet. — Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Response to the creamery—its array of luscious ice creams in the form of cups, cones, shakes, floats, and sundaes—exceeded his expectations. — Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2026